The Homa Bay County government has aside Sh.2m to support residents displaced by floods in the county.
Governor Cyprian Awiti made the announcement after it emerged that more than 2500 people from 451 households have been displaced in the region.
Speaking on Tuesday when he held a disaster meeting with the County Commissioner (CC), Harman Shambi and his Deputy, Hamilton Orata, Awiti said the money will be used in purchasing foodstuff and nonfood items to the affected victims.
The worst affected areas are Karachuonyo and Ndhiwa constituencies. More than 80 per cent of the displaced persons are currently camping at Osodo primary school in Karachuonyo constituency.
“Many Homa Bay residents are no longer staying in their homes. We have set aside the funds to help them overcome adverse effects of the floods,” said Awiti.
The governor said the county health department will also be providing the victims with drugs to cushion them from diseases while in the camps.
“We are making arrangements with the health department to provide the victims with the required medication,” the governor added.
He urged residents living in flood prone areas to relocate to high areas to prevent loss of lives and damage of property.
Shambi said his office had also distributed food and non-food items but the number of victims keeps on increasing on daily basis.
He said they are going to create more camps to decongest the Osodo Primary School camp.
“We have realized the camp at Osodo is already congested. We are already creating more camps in other schools,” said Shambi said.
The CC said three people had lost their lives since floods began in the county. The floods were caused by rivers Miriu and Kuja which broke their banks.
“Some people have died in this county while crossing rivers which broke their banks. I am urging residents to avoid crossing rivers during floods,” said Shambi.
The comments came at a time when residents of Ndhiwa constituency decry destruction of crops by floods.
Elsewhere, the Chairman of Kochieng’ clan elders, Jarongo Okumu and the vice chairman of Kakaeta elders Pitalis Onyango said the floods are predisposing Ndhiwa residents to severe famine.
“Some crops were eroded while others have been submerged in water. We expected good harvests this season but we have lost hope,” said Okumu.
By Naomi Wandede /Davis Langat
